Here’s a really cool video from one of the top bands bursting from Toronto’s thriving garage/pysch scene. Brenda has released a new single from their upcoming EP “Creeeper”. “Children” sneaks along with a creepy pace and the video falls right in line with that ambience. They smoothly transition from dark clown quiet riffage to a frenetic blend of fuzz, verb and more fuzz. You should watch this video alone late at night while playing Resident Evil on Playstation 1. Brenda plays Friday (October 20) at The Monarch Tavern with Crazy Bones and Pink Acid Wash. – Kris Gies

A small but mighty indie rock band from Toronto. Outer Rooms just released a new album last month titled “Even In The Cannon’s Mouth”. The album opens up with a track named after everyone’s favorite TTC subway station “Castle Frank”. They definitely have some influence from early 2000’s indie rock as well as the more recent tunes from The Arkells. The title track has catchy guitar licks along with an emotional, part-yelling vocal performance. Catch Outer Rooms Release Party this Saturday (October 21) at Handlebar with Grids, Westelaken and Reader. – Kris Gies 

 “Beached” is the new record from Toronto 4 piece power pop band Knifey. They have some well done pop punk that’ll remind you of growing up. You will get sad and pumped at the same time listening to some of these tunes. “Serf” is a very catchy sing-along tune that has some influences from Weezer’s Blue Album. “Tanlines” is right up the Blink 182 alley with a catchy chorus and quick pop guitar licks. Available for download on their bandcamp page. Knifey plays The Great Hall on Saturday (October 21) along with Pkew Pkew Pkew, Sure and Pineapple Girls. – Kris Gies

RoniCea is a Toronto based soul singer who just released her first single “Bassline (ft. YoDaddyDoe)”. This track has major throwback vibes. The spacious beat with the synth/keys over the top hit that 90’s RnB spot so well. You don’t hear many new tunes like this nowadays. This will be cranked with the windows down all over Toronto very soon. This has the vibes of the peak era of RnB. I think they should have extended the outro for longer and really let that beat flow. Still a good tune no doubt. – Kris Gies

Here’s something a little different…Fried Dough. Great name for this electronic-psych package. This four piece band blends all their favorite things…animals, music and horses…into a thumpin’ 10 minute epic package known as “French Cinema”. The beginning sounds like it should be the opening credits for an 80’s action movie. You just gotta listen to it and get lost. It’s like if Daft Punk were a jam band. Hearing them live with real instruments would be awesome. Fried Dough play this “Fried-Day” October 13^th at the Smiling Buddha. – Kris Gies

Beach/Garage Rockers The Beach Bats have released a new EP “Washed Up”…which I would say does not accurately describe the band since they are rather young now. The EP opens up with “Creature or Die”. Gentle waves crash in on the shore to set the tone then the bass kicks off a tune reminiscent of early 2000’s indie rock but still keeping their surf vibes rollin’. The guitar work from Goth Bikini especially adds excellent surfy tones to the thumpin rhythm section featuring Moon Mutt. It’s fun listening to this band. See them at Doors Pub in Hamilton on October 6^th. – Kris Gies

Here’s some heavy ass garage rock. BBQ Pope bring the heat. Thumpin’ rock n roll that has some Melvins vibes to it. They just released their self titled LP on Fried Records and it rocks. The opening track “Welcome To My Hell” really sets the tone with heavy drums and grungy guitars. You’ll pretty much know if you like it or not right away.  These yutes seem too young to be sad but the next track is titled “Sad and Stoned”…which I’m sure they are the latter. This track leans a bit more towards the pop end of the spectrum. A nice mix-up from the first track and very catchy. Guys will like the opening track and chicks will dig this one. So they may have it all figured out. – Kris Gies

Brand new 80’s synth rock from right here in Toronto. Lady Electric has a very cool sound that could have been brought to the future by Marty Mcfly from 1985. Their tune “Who Has To Know” has a night time cruisin’ feel to it. Very funky bass lines and sharp drums. The synth really carries the whole tune though and keeps you ridin’ with it the whole time. The vocals fit perfectly in with the song as well. You don’t hear much of these kinda tunes comin’ out these days so dig in. – Kris Gies

Space-Pysch rockers The Crowleys have released a brand new single “LA Sunset”. The intro feels like you might be driving into a summer sunset as the jangly reverb guitars float along. They fade away and slowly hammer into a very groovy beat. This must be after the sunset and we’re hitting the streets lookin for a good time. It’s almost mixin’ in some disco which is a wicked combo alongside their usual garage vibes. Very cool tune with some interesting dynamics. The Crowleys just played the Night Owl Festival supporting Shannon & the Clams, next up for them is DIY festival Hollowfest in Lanark from September 29th to October 2nd. – Kris Gies

Named after the area in Toronto in which they grew up, The Beaches are just about ready to explode. These gals know how to rock n’ roll. They have just released their first single “Money” from their upcoming album. Rippin’ tune with sensible, catchy melodies and a 60’s stoner voice that’s almost in Grace Slick territory. They are getting ready to release their first full length album on October 13^th and will be touring North America with Death From Above 1979 for the fall. The final stop on the tour will be right here in Toronto on December 1st at The Phoenix. I dig their style, easily one of the bands you need to know right now. – Kris Gies

This Hamilton trio has had a busy summer playing the Festival of Friends and Dundas Cactus Festival among other various gigs throughout the province. Quarter in the Bag also released their debut self titled EP. They’re a heavy and groovy power trio. The opening track “Underdog” is a rippin’ tune that’ll get your head bangin and mouth hummin’ the riff for days to come. The hectic breakdown will have you flippin’ tables immediately…respectfully of course. You can see Quarter in the Bag live in Hamilton at This Ain’t Hollywood on Friday September 15^th along with Flamingo Bay, the Rickaneers and the Beach Bats. – Kris Gies

This fuzz trio out of Toronto has one of the biggest buzzes goin on right now. Hot Lips consists of synth, fuzz bass and drums. The female vocals give it an extra bad ass vibe as it fits in perfectly with the thumping drums and noisy fuzz. “American Hardcore” is their first single and it won’t be long until its included in a thriller or horror movie soundtrack. Very loud with some elements from industrial and electronic music. Their EP release show is Friday September 8^th at the Baby G. The Crooked, Rue Bella and Mad Machines playing in support. – Kris Gies